08/04/2022
I’m guessing back in late March or early April 1971, I reported to duty on the USS England (DLG 22). It was docked at Bath Ironworks, Bath, Maine. It hadn’t been recommissioned yet. On June 26, 1971, she was commissioned. I was on that crew when she was commissioned. That made me what the Navy calls, a Plank Owner. Back in the old days when all they had was wooden ships, a Plank Owner was entitled to a plank from that ship. Well, I’m 1971, we had steel ships. We just earned the title Plank Owner. And we were proud of that title. I earned the extra ceremony of being a Plank Owner because I spent my entire Naval Career on the England. Not many who enlist in the Navy remain on one ship their entire enlistment. It was a great privilege. When my separation date was close, we were in Viet Nam on duty. The USS Enterprise was the command ship in our task force. They flew over a helicopter and hoisted me off of the England. As they did, the Captain of the England rang the ships bell and stated over the loud speaker system, “GMG3 Gregory Departing.” It was a great honor and privilege to have earned that title. This is a copy of the certificate that was issued to Plank Owners. This is not official. The Navy does not issue a official certificate. But, they endorse private companies that make the certificates. I think it deserves a frame and hung up next to the photo of the USS England that I have.